English
    Master Biosciences

    Cell and Infection Biology

     

    Based on general aspects and novel approaches in Molecular Biology including Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, current research topics in the fields of Microbiology, Biophysics and Cell Biology including tissue regeneration, cell migration, stem cell biology, epigenetic plasticity, multicellularity are emphasized. 

    PROGRAMME OUTLINES

    Programme Profile: Cell and Infection Biology

    The curriculum relates topics of cell and developmental biology with those of infection biology and corresponding disease. The cell biology topics comprise developmental subjects such as tissue regeneration and morphogenetic cell migration, molecular stem cell biology, epigenetic plasticity, multicellularity and environment depending development. Based on general aspects and novel approaches in molecular biology including bioinformatics and computational biology, current research topics in the fields of cell biology, microbiology, biophysics, bioinformatics are emphasized. These include in particular the action of pathogenicity factors of both human-pathogenic prokaryotic and eukaryotic infectious strains and ways to develop strategies against disease spreading. 

    The two selected topics are composed of two theory modules as well as a practical course unit each. Further research training is provided in a selected field of interest, and the students are actively involved in ongoing research projects and learn to independently plan and perform both theoretical and experimental work and finally, to summarize and discuss the results obtained in the thesis.

    Objectives and Learning Outcomes

    The students learn to understand the complexity of developmental processes of cells and tissues, based on fundamental principles of cell and molecular biology including the control of gene expression at various levels. By studying various forms and “strategies” of infectious particles or organisms, the students become familiar with the principles of strategies to limit the spreading of infectious disease and are able to evaluate infectious agents with regard to biosafety and biosecurity issues.  The students are enabled to address scientific questions with regard to cellular organization and development, theoretic principles of infection biology and pathogenicity including principles and mechanistic details on the origin and spreading of infectious diseases. The students learn to perform biohazard risk assessments and to setup appropriate biosafety actions. They are aware of scenarios in research and environment that may be associated with biological hazards. They know to approach scientific problems both theoretically and experimentally, and - based on the results obtained - to further develop scientific models and hypotheses.  

    Programme Schedule

    • S1 TOPIC 1 (2 theory modules plus practical course) 
    • S2 TOPIC 2 (2 theory modules plus practical course) 
    • S3 Advanced experimental training (F2, 15CP) + additional special courses (15 CP) 
    • S4 Thesis + final colloquium

    Curriculum

    For detailed informations on the following modules listed are available in the Online Course Book, Master Biosciences, Module Group 4  WueStudy

    Year 1 (Winter-Semester)

    • Methods in Life Sciences
    • Molecular Infection Biology F1 (Practical Course)
    • Additional Courses

    Year 1 (Summer-Semester)

    • Molecular Biology
    • Signals and Differentiation
    • Pathogenicity of Microorganisms
       

    Year 2

    • Cell and Developmental Biology F1 or Microbiology F1 (Practical Course)
    • Cell and Develpmental Biology F2 or Microbiology F2
    • Additional Courses
    •  

    STUDY PROGRAMME

    Modules - Theory

    Molecular Biology (Lecture Series)

    C: Molecular Biology of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells. The lecture series introduces into the fields of cell biology, developmental biology, microbiology, biophysics, bioinformatics. Based on current concepts in molecular biology, the lectures elucidate these with respect to the particular disciplines. 
    Recommended literature: Alberts B, Bray D. et al. "Essential Cell Biology"; Garland Science, NY USA 
    In the course sessions on "Cell Biology" (comprising 25% of the total) focuses on  the eucaryotic cell and illustrates both the fundamental principles of molecular cell biology and the huge structural and functional diversity of molecules, organelles and cells.
    The lectures on bioinformatics (25% of total) comprise many examples for application in order to demonstrate how to address problems in molecular biology with tools of bioinformatics. The lectures are in line with the textbook "Essential Cell Biology", and include many examples covering the topics of all course sessions. Bioinformatics is presented as a computer based molecular biology tool allowing time saving experimental planning.   
    The third part of the lecture series is dealing with fundamental aspects of prokaryotes and microbiology in general. Special topics are the organization of the bacterial genome, the machinery and regulation of transcription and translation, the transport of cellular components, cell division and   cellular differentiation processes, bacterial mobility and chemotaxis, signal transduction and bacterial communication.       
    Recommended literature:
    (a) Allgemeine Mikrobiologie (Fuchs) (b) Madigan MT, Martinko JM, Stahl DA Clark DP Brock Biology of Microorganisms. Pearson educ., USA
    LO: The students become familiar with theoretical aspects and principles in cell biology, developmental biology, microbiology, biophysics, bioinformatics. With several bioinformatics tools, they become familiar how to use computer based approaches to address and resolve problems in these bioscientific fields. 

    Cell and Developmental Biology 

    C: The module consists of the lecture "Signals and Differentiation" and the seminar "Milestones and Perspectives of Developmental Biology".
    The lecture "Signals and Differentiation" does not attempt to impart pure textbook knowledge. Instead, historically important as well as particularly interesting and important trend-setting topics in developmental biology are presented. The topics range from classical developmental subjects such as tissue regeneration and morphogenetic cell migration to molecular stem cell biology, epigenetic plasticity, origins of multicellularity and development within changing environments. 
    In the seminar "Milestones and Perspectives of Developmental Biology" classic ground-breaking publications in the field of developmental biology are discussed in an unorthodox way.
    LO: Participants gain the expertise to acquire scientific background knowledge of developmental biology to include it into a broader frame of cell biology research.

    Pathogenicity of Microorganisms

    C: The major human pathogens will be presented and the mechanisms underlying diseases caused by them will be discussed. In addition, the current knowledge on the action of pathogenicity factors and how they are related to disease development will be introduced for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogens. A further focus will be rapidly emerging new pathogens and the expected health and social-economic consequences. Current experimental approaches in infection biology will be explained in the general lectures. This includes aspects of biosafety and biosecurity.
    LO: The students become familiar with the theoretic principles of infection biology and pathogenicity including principles and mechanistic details on the origin and spreading of infectious diseases. The students learn to perform biohazard risk assessments and to setup appropriate biosafety actions. They are aware of scenarios in research and environment that may be associated with biological hazards. 
    Methods in Life Sciences (Lecture series)

    C: Standard molecular techniques including PCR, lipid research methods, microscopic methods, immunohistochemistry, mouse models and gene-knockout approaches, protein and molecular biology techniques, advanced protein biochemistry, methods in bioinformatics and computational biology.
    LO: Students are able to review and expand their knowledge of standard molecular techniques and are able to choose methods and techniques to design experiments in a specific research area. 

    Modules – Practical Courses

    Cell and Developmental Biology F1

    C: This 5 weeks full-time practical course provides an introduction into modern cell and developmental biology-related methods with a focus on Bio-Imaging techniques. A broad spectrum of different model organisms is covered and the participants are encouraged to design and perform independently individual experiments. Acquired technological skills are used to analyse important basic biological processes. Major parts of this practical course are small individual projects, which should provide sustained insights into current research activities of the department. Intended interactions with master and graduate students as well as post-docs prepare participants for a future team-based working environment.
    LO: The participants are qualified to approach complex scientific questions in the field of cell and developmental biology and can implement acquired methodological tools to answer these questions independently. They are skilled to perform and document cell and developmental biology-related experiments in a generally accepted code of scientific practice.

    Cell and Developmental Biology F2

    C: Well-defined aspects of scientific projects are addressed with independently designed experiments in the context of current research projects in the field of cell and developmental biology. The applied techniques are evaluated on the basis of the results obtained and modified if necessary. The results of all experiments as well as the impact on the research project is presented and discussed in a progress reports seminar within the research group.
    LO: The participants are qualified to carry out scientific experiments in the field of cell and developmental biology independently and modify them according to the outcome. They are competent to approach current scientific topics independently and can perform, interpret and document experiments according to accepted rules of scientific practice. The acquired knowledge qualifies the students to perform scientific activities in the content of F2 internship or a master thesis.

     

    Molecular Infection Biology F1

    C: Topics and Methods in the fields of Microbiology, Cell Biology, Infection Biology, Parasitology, Mycology, Virology, Immunology

    LO: The students collect a basic overvierw about current methods and techniques in the field of Infection Biology including both cellular and molecular approaches. Based on particular projects, they acquire practical skills to use these techniques.

    Microbiology F2

    C: Participants work independently on a current research project dealing with microbiology and infection biology. They apply advanced experimental techniques in microbiology, cell biology and molecular biology according to the project requirements. The research progress of the project is reported in a seminar paper, a research paper or an oral presentation.
    LO: The participants acquire the skills to independently perform basic research on microbiology and infection biology according to the standards of good scientific practice and to properly document , interpret and present experimental results. They are qualified to conduct scientific work, perform statistical analysis and interpretation. The acquired knowledge qualifies the students to perform scientific activities in the content of F2 internship or a master thesis.

     

    ADDITIONAL COURSES

    Additional Courses (5 ECTS unless indicated)

    Biochemistry, Physiology and Genetics of Mammalian Cell Culture

    C: Introduction to cell culture, cell culture lab equipment, cellular biochemistry and cell structures, cell proliferation, generation of in vitro cell models and their applications , cell culture formats, basic cell analytical technologies.

    LO: Students are able to understand the biochemistry, physiology and genetics of mammalian cell culture, and possess the asset to use these techniques.

    Molecular Techniques (3)

    C: Introduction to new and cutting edge molecular techniques. As well as methods for scientific investigation.

    LO: Students are able to recognize cutting edge methods, and techniques to improve experimental strategies and experimental set ups to answer scientific questions.

    Molecular Tumour Biology

    C: The lecture „Molecular Tumorbiology“discusses molecular characteristics of tumors and relevant biological processes (such as signal transduction, cell growth, cell proliferation, metabolism), tumor specific modifications and current molecular biological methods in tumor research.

    LO: Understanding of the current topics and challenges in tumor research and understanding about the methods which could be used to deal with such challenges.

    Clinical Tumor Biology

    C: In the lecture series „Clinical Tumorbiology“current clinical aspects will be discussed. Several tumortypes will be considered (such as tumors of the skin, lung, intestine, breast, blood). Diagnostics & pathologiy, different treatments and therapies and clinical trials will be further topics.

    LO: Knowledge about the similarities and differences of various tumor types. Understanding of requirements, possibilities and limitations in clinical medicine.

    Animal Communication

    C: The lectures deal with physiological and neurobiological principles of the different communication channels used by animals, but also highlight adaptive values and evolutionary aspects of animal signaling. In a follow-up seminar session students will deepen their knowledge by presenting and discussing actual papers related to the topic of the lecture.

    LO: The students experience the benefit of an integrative approach when confronted with complex biological issues. They learn to connect the findings of different research areas like physiology, neurobiology, behavior and ecological conditions in order to gain a more complete picture of a topic. Participants learn to present and discuss actual papers within a broader scientific framework.

    Experimental Sociobiology

    C: The lectures highlight the diversity and the evolution of social behavior, but also focus on the physiological, neurobiological and behavioural mechanisms underlying the organization of social groups. In a follow-up seminar session students will deepen their knowledge by presenting and discussing actual papers related to the topic of the lecture.

    LO: The students experience the benefit of an integrative approach when confronted with complex biological issues. They learn to connect the findings of different research areas like physiology, neurobiology, behavior and ecological conditions in order to gain a more complete picture of a topic. Participants learn to present and discuss actual papers within a broader scientific framework.

     Immunology 1 B

    C: Basic concepts of modern cellular and molecular Immunology.

    LO: Participants learn to read, critically discuss and present current concepts in immunology at (advanced) text book level. Reception of talks on current topics in immunology which are given by varying researchers covering a broad range of immunological topics.

     Immunology 2 B

    C: Current topics in molecular and cellular immunology with emphasis on autoimmunity. allergy, immunomodulation, cancer and transplantation immunology, immunity of infection and evolution of the immune system.

    LO: Capability to read, critically discuss and present current concepts in immunology on the basis of original literature and primary data.

    Virology 1 B

    C: This course offers an introduction to virology and current research in the field of virology.

    LO: Students have gained the ability to understand and discuss in depth current issues in virology.

    Virology 2 B

    C: This course offers an introduction to virology and current research in the field of virology.

    LO: Students will have gained the ability to understand and discuss in depth current issues in virology.

    Nucleus Workshop

    C: A combination of lecture and laboratory course
    Topics include the nuclear envelope, nuclear pores, nuclear-cytoplasmic transport, nuclear lamina, chromatin, chromosomes and disease, structure and function of the nucleolus, communication between the cytoskeleton and the nucleus
    Experiments include 
    •    Electron microscopy of the nuclear envelope, pores and lamina; 
    •    Growth of the nuclear envelope: Experiments using cultured cells and Drosophila
    •    Preparation of a Xenopus-egg extract and in vitro-assembly of artificial nuclei
    •    In-vitro assemly of lamina-filaments
    •    Isolation of nuclear envelope  from cultured cells; Protein analyses using Western blotting.
    •    Visualization of nucleosomal chromatin in EM (Miller-Speading).
    •    Extraction of histones und analyses via one- and two-dimensional gelelectrophoresis.
    •    Visualization of transcriptional active genes.
    •    Structure and function of the nucleolus; influence of cellular toxins.
    •    Isolation of ribosomes and ribosomal subunits using a sugar gradient centrifugation and protein analyses
    •    Nucleolar behavior during mitosis (Immunofluorescence microscopy using a nucleolus specific antibody).
    •    The nucleolar organizer region (NOR), Silver staining and immunolocalization
    •    Localization of transcription sites in the cell nucleus (BrU incorporation).
    •    Protein-Protein interaction in the cell nucleus (in situ proximity ligation assay).
    •    Chromatin immunoprecipitation (Chip)

    LO: The students understand structural and functional features of the cell nucleus. They know abput key cell biological methods and are able to perform experiments to anwer scientific questions using these trained methods.

    Additional Courses & Final Thesis

    Ecology of Honey Bees and Wild Bees

    C: Introduction to the life of honey bees and wild bees; principles and techniques of beekeeping (colony management, breeding, diseases); resource use of honey bees and wild bees (bee dances, flower visiting, pollen analysis, foraging behavior, nesting aid); Taxonomy of wild bees, opponent of bees, wild bees in different habitats (excursion), honey bee excursion, e.g. visiting of the bee center in Veitshöchheim.

    LO: The students expand their knowledge on Biology and Ecology of wild- and honey bees, on interactions between bees and plants, and on aspects of nature conservation. They become qualified to handle experimental methods of Pollination Ecology, management of trial colonies, pollen analysis, and determination of wild bees.

    Ecology and Taxonomy of Insects

    C: Identification and classification of the characteristics of different groups of arthropods, especially insects. Knowledge of special form is provided. Observation and recording of arthropods in habitats. Experimental laboratory and field work on ecological or behavior biological characteristics of the respective groups of arthropods. In addition, also compilation of species richness and niche differentiation. The aim is to link the phylogenetic and morphological characteristics of arthropods with their ecological functions.

    LO: The students gain knowledge of defining typical families and representatives of major insect orders. They are qualified to apply special identification keys, record and evaluate special behaviors. They are able to design and evaluate experimental approaches in ecological laboratory and field studies.

    Modelling in Ecology

    C: On the basis of exemplary tasks in Ecology, the students will learn about different simulation techniques and modelling methods. In the same time, they will also develop their own simulation program to address demographical or evolutionary questions.

    LO: The students expand their knowledge in theory and practice of ecological modelling and they are qualified to develop, apply, and interpret adequate modelling techniques.

    Tropical Ecology

    C: In a tropical ecosystem, small project with ecological or nature conservation related issues will be performed. Here the students should learn about the steps of experiment design, implementation, data analysis, up to data presentation. In the evening seminar, recent publications are presented in the field of tropical Ecology and will be discussed.

    LO: The students learn about various tropical Ecosystems and acquire further knowledge of ecological and nature conservation related research in the tropics. They learn field ecological methods for quantitative detection of insects and their biotic interactions, as well as acquire statistical knowledge in the field of data analysis.

    Linux and Perl 

    C: Introduction into the operation system Linux, writing computer programs using the programming language Perl to answer bioinformatical questions.

    LO: Students are able to handle the Linux as user and they are able to write simple Perl scripts to answer bioinformatical questions.

    Presentation of Scientific Data

    C: The students write a scientific mini review including correct citation and learn various options to present scientific data including manuscript writing followed by an oral presentation (15 min).The manuscript is based on original papers as well as on reviews and follows the instructions of a scientific journal of choice, which may be found at the home page under e.g. “Instructions to Authors”. Both length of chapters and structure of the article should be based on the style of the selected journal.Attendance at 20 or more scientific talks (e.g. defense of doctoral thesis, presentation of research projects, retreats ) including presentation by guest speakers.

    LO: The students are familiar with the deatails of publishing scientific data in written and oral form. They have become familiar with the methodology of scientific publishing in oral or written fashion. Furthermore, they have trained English skills in both reading, talking and writing.

    Quality Assurance, Good Practice, Biosafety and Biosecurity

    C: Good Practice in the Biosciences, quality assurance approaches and quality culture. Structure, idea and basic principles of quality management approaches, DIN EN ISO 9001, regulatory documents and framework in the biosciences  including biotechnology, biosafety, biosecurity, risk assessment.

    LO: The students are familiar with basics of “Good Practices” in Research and Development, and have understood the basic principles of quality management circles. They have a distinct sensibility in biosafety and biosecurity issues and know the proper handling of biological agents and organisms. In addition, they have developed a sense to the complex interdependences in nature and can critically discuss socio-ethical issues in the bioscience area.

    FINAL THESIS

    Thesis (25)

    C: A defined scientific question is addressed by adequate techniques. Students plan and perform experiments to solve problems or summarize and interpret existing data. The students have to develop a research plan and apply advanced and novel techniques in the context of a given research project according to good scientific practice. The results are summarized in a written thesis. The project lasts for six month.

    LO: Students are qualified to scientifically work on a topic on their own. They are competent to discuss the current research in the field. They are competent to work according to good practice and to document, interpret and to discuss their results. They are competent to discuss and to defend their data in the scientific community.

    Thesis Defense / Oral examination Biology (3)

    C: Verification of thesis content through oral examination. Total length should not exceed 45 min. (30 min. plus 15 min. of questions pertaining to the thesis, as well as related subjects) 

    LO: The students are able to present the results of their thesis work to a public audience in a limited time and they are able to critically discuss questions and concerns.

    Contact

    Andreas Demuth

    Microbiology

    Alois Palmetshofer

    Coordinator BioCareers